Open-source PEM fuel cell model combining the unsaturated flow theory for porous media with Springer's model

The presentation gives an overview on a PEM fuel cell model developed within the framework of OpenFOAM. The capabilities of the model are demonstrated by simulating a conventional PEM fuel cell, which has been developed by CIEMAT. This cell is supplied by pure oxygen and hydrogen with a humidification of 100%, while operating at 80°C. The measured polarisation curve is reproduced by the OpenFOAM model quite well. Moreover, it allows to illustrate the current distribution, liquid water formation and the depletion of reactants within the porous electrodes. The model can easily be applied to other fuel cell geometries, thus helping in their design or operation.